A searchable version of The Sunday Times Rich List 2008, sponsored by luxury hotel group Von Essen, launches online at 2pm today.  

Featuring an additional 1,000 entries to The Sunday Times Rich List print edition, the online version includes extra content on Britain’s 2,000 richest, the 100 wealthiest in the world and the top 100 in Europe plus a full list of the richest Asians in Britain.

In a six-figure deal secured by Times Media, the publishers of The Sunday Times, The Times and Times Online, von Essen will become the headline sponsor across all online property of the Rich List for the next four years.

The Sunday Times Rich List Online will offer extensive search facilities, allowing users to access a detailed profile of each entry and the ability to search the list using a specially designed interactive table.   Users will also be able to sort the list by region, age, gender and source of wealth, thereby supplying a comprehensive search tool.

As part of the agreement von Essen - which owns hotels in the UK, Scotland, Wales and France - will continue to sponsor ongoing Rich List features throughout the year running across both print and online. Von Essen will also be offering the chance to win two competition prizes in conjunction with the launch that will showcase not only their hotels which include Amberley Castle and Chateau de Bagnois but also the wider portfolio of the von Essen group – including their motor and helicopter businesses.

Dominic Carter, Times Media trading director said: “The Rich List is one of the definitive landmarks within The Sunday Times. We wanted to enhance this further by offering readers an interactive experience and a reference point all year round.  Our partnership with von Essen provides them with a fantastic opportunity to reach its target high-end audience in a unique and engaging way”.